Selectors will then consider their performances at the world cup events in Australia, France and Germany before the New Zealand Olympic Committee names the men's cross-country mountain biking representative.
Gaze is prepared for the reality that either he or Cooper, the junior world champion, will miss out on competing in Rio.
"It's a bit of a shame really because I feel like both Anton and I would be able to produce good results there."
"It's a hard fact to face, but I'm sure whoever does get the spot will deserve it and will go on to represent the country well," he said.
"I've just turned 20 and Anton is 21 and so whatever happens out of these Games there are going to be more opportunities."
Gaze describes his rivalry with Cooper as healthy and believes they help push each other.
"We have good chats off the bike and we get along nicely. It's quite nice to have someone that you bounce off so positively."
While Cooper has been preparing for the season in New Zealand, Gaze has been in Stellenbosch, South Africa with his coach Christoph Sauser, the Olympic bronze medallist from Sydney.
The Specialized rider has hailed the training camp as a success, as he managed to shed some weight and find form.
He's checked out the Cardona Bike Park course and believes it is fair. "I feel like it's a course that suits me really well and it will also suit him, so I think it's a great course to hold the nationals on."
Kate Fluker will be the hot favourite in the elite women's race.